SERVICES > Military Aircraft

Five RAF squadrons will operate the new long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft. The Nimrod has its origins in the De Havilland Comet, the world's first jet airliner, which first flew on 27th July1949. The requirement for a Nimrod MR2 replacement was issued in January 1995. This called for an aircraft with high-speed transit to the operating area, and a long endurance.

On July 24th 1996 the Nimrod 2000 programme was announced as the winner. The aircraft, expected to enter service in 2009, will be known as the Nimrod MRA4. Nimrod 2000 involves dismantling 80% of each MR2's airframe and replacing 60% of it with new structures, including the complete wing. Wing span is being increased by 3.71m. Modern turbofan engines are being installed. The whole flight deck is being stripped and replaced with a 2-man cockpit and an all new tactical operator's area is being installed.

AM&PS produce the Corrective Maintenance Task Analysis, Preventative Maintenance Task Analysis, Initial Provisioning publications, SGML data modules and Illustrations for the Nimrod MRA4.